I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The three days of preparation time passed in the blink of an eye.

Lu Zhao wasted not a single second. During the day, he kept a low profile, focusing all his energy on circulating the [Dragon's Hibernation Technique], combined with the medicinal power of the [Jade Dew Rejuvenation Pill], to heal his injuries while constantly honing his mental strength and improving his proficiency in the [Spirit Refining Technique]. The [Spirit Refining Technique] was approaching the Lv2 bottleneck, and he had a premonition that if he could break through, his mental perception and talisman control abilities would significantly improve. At night, he would sneak out of the town and practice the [Breath Concealment Technique] and the coordination of his short sword and crossbow in secluded spots outside the town, as well as trying to combine his mental strength with talisman drawing while in the [Dragon's Hibernation] state to improve the success rate of talisman making.

The effects of the 【Dragon's Hibernation】 cultivation technique far exceeded expectations. It not only accelerated the recovery of his injuries but also significantly nourished his spiritual power. After three days, the corpse poison on his shoulder was completely removed, his external wounds had healed, his health had recovered to 100%, and his spiritual power, nourished by both the elixir and the cultivation technique, was even more refined and abundant than before he was injured.

【Refining Spirit Technique (Beginner) Lv2 (95/300) → Lv2 (120/300)】

[The Breath Concealing Technique (Beginner) Lv1 (0/100) has been upgraded to Lv1 (35/100)]

【Spell Drawing (Basic) Lv2 (120/300) → Lv2 (150/300)】

Successfully crafted 3 "Exorcising Talismans (Good)" and 2 "Tranquilizing Talismans (Normal)".

During the three days, Lu Zhao also took the time to visit Liu's General Store, where he used the remaining silver to replenish his stock with high-quality cinnabar and talisman paper. He also gritted his teeth and bought a fine steel dagger, sharper and lighter than a woodcutter's knife, suitable for close combat. He also replenished his stock with thirty crossbow bolts. In addition, he exchanged two [Plague Poison Crystals (Mid-Grade)] from the old Taoist priest for a small bottle of "Plague Clearing Powder," which was said to ward off miasma and detoxify, as well as a rough map of Black Wind Ridge, which marked several dangerous areas, including the approximate location of the abandoned mine.

As for the specific information about the "Blood Wolf" and the exact location of the "Bone-Rotting Grass," the old Taoist didn't know the details. He only heard that the "Bone-Rotting Grass" grew near the Blood Wolf's lair, where the yin energy was extremely heavy, and wandering ghosts often appeared, so ordinary people dared not approach. Lu Zhao silently noted it down.

Three days later, at the crack of dawn, Lu Zhao was ready. He carried a simple satchel containing dry rations, water, talismans, cinnabar, pills, miasma-clearing powder, rope, and a fire starter. He also carefully kept his short sword, dagger, crossbow bolts, talismans, and the mysterious fragment of the unknown evil god's emblem (which he carried close to his body in case of emergency). He changed into a dark, practical outfit and quietly left "Wang An Ju".

The town was still asleep, the fog still lingering. Lu Zhao, like a shadow blending into the morning mist, silently crossed the streets, exited through the west gate, and headed towards the grove where he had made his promise to "Miss Yun".

From afar, one could see a figure in white standing with her hands behind her back in front of the solitary wooden house, surrounded by morning mist, like a fairy untouched by worldly affairs. It was "Miss Yun," still wearing that half-silver mask, dressed in simple, spotless clothes.

"Senior Yun." Lu Zhao stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

Miss Yun nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over Lu Zhao, seemingly somewhat surprised: "Your injuries have healed? You recovered quite quickly."

"Thanks to the miraculous medicine from you, senior, I am now out of danger," Lu Zhao said.

"Hmm. The journey to Black Wind Ridge is not short, and the mountain path is difficult to traverse. With your stamina, it will take you most of the day. Keep up." Without wasting any words, Miss Yun turned and walked away. She seemed to be taking a leisurely stroll, but her speed was surprisingly fast. She left only shallow footprints on the damp grass, and in the blink of an eye, she was already several feet away.

"What superb footwork!" Lu Zhao thought to himself, his heart skipping a beat. He quickly gathered his energy, pushing the [Turtle Breathing Technique] to its limit, and combined it with the breathing method of [Sleeping Dragon]. He took light steps, his figure elusive, following behind at a distance that was neither too close nor too far. Although he was not as fast as his opponent, he could barely keep up, his breathing steady and his steps unwavering.

Miss Yun seemed to notice, glanced back, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes, and slowed down slightly.

The two walked one after the other through the mist-shrouded mountains and forests. Lu Zhao silently observed Yun's movements; her clothes fluttered as she moved, her feet never touching the dust, clearly indicating extremely high cultivation and exquisite control over her inner energy. He secretly compared himself to her, realizing how far inferior his own meager cultivation was.

"Your concealment technique is quite good; you've already mastered it to a certain degree. It seems you haven't slacked off these past three days," said the girl in front, her voice cold and unreadable.

"I was merely imitating what you were doing, and I hope you won't laugh at me, senior," Lu Zhao said.

"Your foundation is decent. But in the art of breath control, the most important thing is 'spirit,' followed by 'qi,' with form being secondary. You have grasped the method of introspection, but your movements still seem somewhat deliberate. You need to achieve 'spirit and intention in harmony, intention and qi in unity, qi and form in harmony, and form as harmonious as grass and trees' before you can truly master it," Miss Yun said casually, offering a few words of guidance.

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He carefully pondered these words, finding the principles of concealing one's breath and circulating qi contained within to be profound and unfathomable, difficult to fully comprehend at once. However, upon closer examination, they seemed to share a similar essence with the [Hibernating Dragon] technique, which only deepened his respect for this "Senior Yun." "Thank you for your guidance, Senior."

Miss Yun remained silent and continued on her way. The two traveled in silence, traversing mountains and valleys, passing through forests and streams. Lu Zhao noticed that Miss Yun seemed quite familiar with the terrain of Black Wind Ridge, choosing paths that were mostly off-the-beaten-path but relatively safe animal trails, avoiding areas where large wild beasts or poisonous miasma might lurk.

By mid-morning, the two had ventured dozens of miles into the mountains. Ancient trees towered around them, vines entwined, and the air was thick with the damp, decaying smell. The chirping of insects and birds gradually faded, replaced by a depressing silence.

"Twenty miles ahead lies the outer edge of Black Wind Ridge. The Blood Wolf's lair is near 'Ghost Cry Ravine' on the east side of the ridge, while the entrance to the abandoned mine is deep within 'Old Crow Ridge' on the west side. The two places are about thirty miles apart, separated by the main peak. We need to deal with the Blood Wolves first before heading to the mine. Do you have any objections?" Miss Yun stopped and asked.

"This junior will follow your instructions, senior," Lu Zhao said. The Blood Wolf bounty was his target, and without eliminating the Blood Wolf, he would always be a threat on the way to the mine.

"Alright. Blood wolves are cunning by nature, with extremely keen senses of smell and hearing. They are strong, have sharp claws, and can spew poisonous mist from their mouths. This mist has a paralyzing and slowing effect; excessive exposure can cause stiffness. Their fur is tough and difficult to injure with ordinary swords and knives, except for their eyes and abdomen, which are their weak points. In addition, on the night of the full moon, they will climb Moon Gazing Cliff and howl at the moon, at which time they are most alert and most aggressive. Today is not a full moon, but the daylight is sufficient, making it difficult for the poisonous mist to spread, which is advantageous to us." Miss Yun concisely introduced the characteristics and habits of the blood wolf, which largely matched what Lu Zhao had heard from the old Taoist priest.

"We need to find its lair first, lure it out, and ambush it. I have a set of 'Demon-Binding Ropes' that can restrict its movement, but it can only be activated at close range. You are skilled in talisman magic and have the power to ward off evil, so it should be very effective against its demonic aura and poisonous mist. At that time, you will be responsible for ranged attacks and containment, while I will take the lead in the attack. Remember, do not let it get close. Once you are hit by its poisonous mist, immediately take the Cleansing Powder, or use the 'Tranquilizing Talisman' or 'Protective Talisman' to dispel it." As she spoke, Miss Yun took out a jade bottle from her storage bag and handed it to Lu Zhao. "This is 'Cleansing Spirit Powder,' which can cure the Blood Wolf's poison. Taking it in advance can resist some of the poisonous mist, and its effect lasts for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Keep it safe."

Lu Zhao took the jade bottle; it was slightly cool to the touch and had a faint, pleasant fragrance. "Thank you, senior."

"No need to thank me, it's just to ensure the plan goes smoothly." Miss Yun said calmly, "Also, there are many rotting bones near the Blood Wolf's lair, which easily breeds miasma. The 'Miasma-Clearing Powder' you exchanged earlier can also be used. The 'Bone-Rotting Grass' grows in the places where the poisonous miasma is most concentrated, so you need to be extra careful when searching for it. Without further ado, let's set off."

The two continued their journey, entering the Black Wind Ridge area. The terrain became more rugged, and the forests denser, blocking out the sun and dimming the light. A faint, unsettling, fishy odor began to permeate the air—the smell of large, carnivorous beasts.

Lu Zhao was on high alert, fully activating the [Refining Spirit Technique] and maximizing his perception, vigilantly watching for any movement around him. Miss Yun walked ahead, her aura concealed, as silent as a feather landing, clearly demonstrating that she had also pushed her concealment technique to its limit.

After walking for about an hour, a deep valley appeared ahead. The valley entrance was narrow, with steep cliffs on both sides. Mist filled the valley, and the faint sound of flowing water could be heard. Outside the valley entrance, many skeletons were scattered, some human and some animal, appearing and disappearing among the withered branches and fallen leaves, exuding an eerie atmosphere.

"Ahead lies 'Ghost Cry Ravine,' the lair of the Blood Wolves, which should be deep within this valley. The valley is filled with white bones and miasma. You should take the Cleansing Powder and cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to protect yourself from the poisonous gas. Stay close to me," Miss Yun whispered, taking a pill first and then covering her face with a white veil.

Lu Zhao did as instructed. The refreshing powder felt cool upon entering his mouth, instantly transforming into a warm current that spread throughout his body, invigorating his spirit. He sprinkled the powder on a cloth, covered his mouth and nose, checked his talismans and equipment, took a deep breath, and followed Miss Yun, carefully stepping into the secluded valley.

The light in the valley grew even dimmer, the fog thick and carrying a nauseating, sweet, rotten smell. Underfoot lay a thick, soft layer of humus, yielding to a hollow, silent carpet. The strangely shaped rocks and withered trees all around resembled menacing monsters in the fog. Deeper still, a faint "whooshing" wind could be heard, like the wailing of ghosts, sending chills down one's spine. No wonder this place was called "Ghost Cry Valley."

The two followed the stream upstream for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Suddenly, the fog ahead thickened, and the air became even colder. More and more bones appeared along the stream, almost covering the ground, including many fresh animal remains. Lu Zhao even saw several human skeletons, with large frames and tattered animal skins, seemingly hunters who had died not long ago.

"Be careful, we're almost at the nest," Miss Yun whispered.

Lu Zhao nodded, his hand already gripping the short sword at his waist, his mental energy highly concentrated. He could sense a thick, unsettling aura of blood and demonic energy emanating from not far ahead.

After walking another hundred steps or so, a dark cave, as tall as two people, appeared ahead. Scattered around the entrance were white bones. The cave was pitch black inside, with only a strong, pungent stench emanating from it. On the rocks at the cave entrance, there were still dark red, dried claw marks.

"This is it." Miss Yun stopped, her sharp gaze sweeping across the cave entrance. She then looked up at the sky. "It's just past noon, the yang energy is at its peak. The blood wolves should be resting in the cave right now, or have just finished eating, and are at their most relaxed. Let's prepare to make our move."

With a flick of her wrist, three fist-sized, jet-black iron caltrops covered in runes appeared in her palm—the "Demon-Binding Ropes" she had mentioned earlier. "Once activated, these transform into three iron chains to bind demons and restrict their movement. However, the activation range is limited; I can only be confident of activation if they are lured within thirty paces of the cave entrance. Lu Zhao, I need you to lure that blood wolf out of the cave and delay it as much as possible so I can set up the Demon-Binding Ropes before we make our move."

"What should this junior do?" Lu Zhao asked in a deep voice.

"Take this." Miss Yun took out a palm-sized, crimson jade stone and handed it to Lu Zhao. "This is the 'Crimson Flame Stone,' containing a trace of earth fire essence, which can stimulate a weak fire spirit aura. Blood wolves are attracted to yin energy and abhor pure yang flames. Take this stone, approach the cave entrance, and stimulate the fire spirit within. This will surely enrage it and lure it out. Remember, don't go too deep. Once you see it emerge from the cave, immediately retreat and lead it to the ambush I've prepared. I'll be waiting for you fifty paces from the cave entrance, on that rocky outcrop."

Lu Zhao took the Crimson Flame Stone. It was warm to the touch, and he could feel a restless fire-attribute energy within it. "This junior understands."

"Be careful. If things become unmanageable, retreat immediately. Don't fight head-on." Miss Yun gave her final advice, then her figure flickered and disappeared silently behind the nearby rocks.

Lu Zhao took a deep breath, carefully tucked the Crimson Flame Stone into his robes, and prepared the [Tranquility Talisman], [Protective Talisman], and [Exorcism Talisman]. He also positioned his short sword and crossbow bolts and slowly made his way towards the dark cave entrance.